Whether your daughter, niece or other young-girl acquaintance plays slow-pitch or fast-pitch softball, the right bat for her is a necessary and important part of her softball equipment. Choosing a bat is based on many factors such as body size and weight, strength and skill level. New technology has also become a factor in what kind of bat to buy because different bat compositions provide for different performance levels. In addition to bat composition, weight, length, diameter and hand grip size play important roles. Choosing a bat for a girl who plays softball takes only a little bit of knowledge and a handy reference chart, available at sporting goods stores and on the Internet.

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Steps

Method 1 of 7

1

Determine bat length by using the child's age. For example, a child 5 to 7 years old would use a 24- to 26-inch (61 to 66 cm) bat, 8 to 9 years old would use a 26- to 28-inch (61 to 71 cm), and so on. For each year older, add approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) to the bat length as a general rule.

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Method 2 of 7: Bat Length by Height and Weight

1

Determine the bat's length first by weight. For example, if the child weighs less than 60 lb. (27.7 kg), bat length would be from 26 to 29 inches (66 to 74 cm) as a starting point.

2

Narrow down the length by the height of the child. If she weighs less than 60 lb. (27.7 kg) and is 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm) tall, bat length would be 26 inches (66 cm). For every 3 inches (7.62 cm) of additional height, add 1 inch (2.54 cm) of bat length up to 29 inches (73.7 cm). For example, for a girl less than 60 lb. (27.7 kg) who is 49 to 52 inches (124.5 to 132.1 cm) tall, the bat length would be 29 inches (73.7 cm).

3

Increase the length of the bat beginning with 27 inches (68.6 cm) for every 10-lb (4.54 kg) weight increase using the same height scale. For example, a girl between 61 and 70 lb. (27.7 and 31.8 kg) would need a bat between 27 and 30 inches (69 and 76 cm), depending on her height. If she were between 45 and 48 inches (114 and 122 cm) tall, the bat length would be 28 inches (71 cm). You can find the measurement charts on the Internet using the sources listed below.

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Method 3 of 7: Aluminum or Graphite/Titanium

1

Choose either an aluminum or graphite/titanium bat based on the child's strength and preference. Aluminum bats tend to be lighter and last longer. This allows the child to increase her swing speed, which increases how hard she hits the ball. Graphite/titanium-lined bats decrease the weight of the aluminum bat even further and reduce the vibration that comes from hitting the ball.

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Method 4 of 7: Bat Weight

1

Choose a bat weight based on the child's strength and hitting style. A big or strong player may want a heavier bat and vice versa for less strong or smaller players. Younger players should have a lighter bat because they are still developing control. Bats have a ratio based on length so that, in most cases, the longer the bat, the higher the weight. For example, a 34-inch (86 cm) bat would weigh approximately 28 oz. (0.79 kg).

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Method 5 of 7: Barrel Size

1

Choose the barrel size (top part and diameter) according to the preferred weight. A smaller barrel makes for a lighter weight bat, which, in turn, increases the speed of the child's swing. The standard diameter for softball bats is 2.5 to 2.75 inches (6.4 to 7.0 cm).

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Method 6 of 7: Handle Diameter or "Taper"

1

Choose the handle diameter according to the child's preference. All bats are tapered at the handle but the diameter can vary. Some children prefer a smaller handle, especially if they have small hands, to thicker handles. A smaller handle provides for a quicker wrist rotation when swinging the bat; however, a thicker handle can reduce the vibration or sting that comes from not hitting the ball in the correct area of the bat ("sweet spot").

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Method 7 of 7: Grip

1

Choose the grip on the handle according to the child's preference and whether she will use a batting glove. Grips come in many materials such as leather and rubber. While all of them are made to absorb shock, some may be more comfortable than others (more padding) and some provide a more secure grip because they tend to feel a bit "tacky" or sticky, especially in hot weather.

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Always have the child test several bats at the store to see which feels the best for her size and weight. It is also a good idea to test a bat during a game or practice because the different circumstances can make for a different feeling with the bat. For example, if the child is tired during a game or practice, she may prefer a lighter bat at that time. She would not know this by simply swinging the bat in a sporting goods store, although this is a good starting point. It is also a good idea to have her test borrowed bats at the batting cages wearing her softball shoes, helmet and batting glove. This provides her with the overall feel of the bat with her other equipment on.

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